Dear Michael -

I love it when my hubby sucks my clit. I have found out that most times, after he sucks me, I develop itching and discomfort. It usually ends up in candidiasis (yeast infection) since I know the symptoms. What do I do since this is the surest way to turn me on?

Thanks,
Joy

Dear Joy -

Oral sex is indeed one of the leading causes of a yeast infection in women.  While men can have a yeast infection in their mouth, medical studies show that he is probably not giving it to you.

What is the most likely culprit is saliva being introduced to your vaginal area, which is upsetting the balance of healthy bacteria there (which causes the yeast to grow).

The only sure fix is to use a dental dam when he is going down on you.

Also, if you (or he) are fingering yourself, then use a lubricant, not saliva.

Of course you can try to take a shower/bath after the episode, but there is no guarantee that the balance of nature will not already be upset.

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Reader's responses:

A yeast infection can occur anywhere on the body that is moist and warm. It isn't caused by bacteria. It is caused by yeast (a form of fungus.) It can NOT be treated with antibiotics. In fact, yeast infections can often be CAUSED by antibiotics. Anything which upsets the natural balance of the bacteria in a woman's vagina can cause a yeast infection, such as pregnancy, diabetes, a weakened immune system and even douching. You can grow yeast in your mouth. A yeast infection of the mouth is called "thrush" and it can be
passed through oral sex.

If you have a yeast infection, you can use Monistat and it should clear in 3-5 days. Be sure to verify that you do have a yeast infection with your doctor, especially if it's reoccurring as it could be something like a bacterial infection (which requires a completely different treatment) or something
else that could be even more serious.

For Joy, I would definitely go with a dental dam since she says this is the surest way to turn her on, but in the meantime, let her hubby talk to his dentist who can
check him quickly for thrush. My dentist says it is very possible to pass it back and forth through oral sex, but this may not be the problem in their particular case.

Below are some things that can help Joy from getting recurrent yeast infections:

When bathing - showering is best - don't sit in a bubble bath - just remember: NO chemicals, NO soaps, NO perfumes and NO douches (wash the outside with something like Summer's Eve Feminine Wash - the inside is self cleaning!!! lol cool God design!)

Make sure that anything you put up in there (fingers, toys, penises, etc.)  is completely clean. Clean toys before and after each use.

Wear cotton panties that aren't too tight and at night -
let the "girl" air out --- lol --- sleep without panties!

Use lube ... not lotion, or those flavored novelty gels.

Eating yogurt with live cultures can help restore balance because yogurt contains L. acidophilus that produces lactic acid. It can help to keep the vagina's pH level low and help ward off a yeast infection.

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There are tablets which can be purchased that will help neutralize the yeast and actually prevent the onslaught of a yeast infection. AZO yeast tablets are the ones that I use and they work very effectively and can be found at an large drugstore chain. I found mine at Wal-mart.